2008 La Clarine Farm Grenache BlancThis wine is made from Grenache Blanc grapes grown in Lodi, California by Hank Beckmeyer of La Clarine Farm near Somerset, California in the Sierra Foothills. La Clarine Farm is where Hank and his wife Caro also herd goats and make fabulous cheeses. The Grenache Blanc is a rich mouthful of lovely, ripe fruit with excellent acidity. It is a perfect wine for summer time sipping. Here are Hank's notes one this wine: "The result is a pretty, pure example of the variety - very floral and fruity in the nose, with just a momentary impression of oak, and dominated by an intense minerality in the mouth. It reminds me of liquid stones. The finish is fresh and lingering, with a touch of tannins (hey, this is Grenache, after all!). It pairs very well with our cheeses, fish, pasta and maybe even oysters. " You can visit La Clarine Farm on the Internet by going to www.LaClarineFarm.com.

2008 Broadley Pinot Noir Willamette ValleyThis is the first 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir that we have tasted from a bottle. It is an excellent wine for a very good price. The barrel samples from this vintage have been terrific. This wine got 90 points from the Wine Advocate. Here is their review: "Broadley’s 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley was bottled in June, 2009. A blend of three vineyards, it is a preview of just how good the 2008 vintage is in Willamette Valley. It offers up the superb perfume characteristic of the vintage; unlike 2007 in which spice notes dominate the aromatics, in 2008 fruit and floral aromas have the upper hand. On the palate it has layered, succulent cherry and raspberry fruit with excellent depth and balancing acidity. It has enough structure to evolve for several years but there is no need to defer your gratification. It is a sensational value in Pinot Noir."

2006 Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon
This is probably the greatest value in Cabernet Sauvignon wine. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the San Juan area of Argentina. It is aged for a year in 1/2 French and 1/2 American oak. It has classic cassis and blackberry flavors with some smoke and tobacco. It drinks very well right now and will probably age for a few years.